BBC Breakfast's Sian Williams quits to escape move to Salford

BBC Breakfast's Sian Williams quits to escape move to Salford

BBC Breakfast's Sian Williams quits to escape move to Salford

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Sian Williams

Staying put: Sian Williams says she does not want to uproot her children

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Susanna Reid

Likely replacement: Susanna Reid

Staying put: Sian Williams says she does not want to uproot her children

Sian Williams has become the latest presenter to quit BBC Breakfast ahead of its move north to Salford.

The 46-year-old decided against uprooting her family when the programme moves from its London base this year as part of the corporation's relocation plan.

Fellow Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins has already made it clear he also plans to quit, having been openly critical about the switch since its announcement last summer. He called the move a "political decision", adding: "It doesn't take a brain surgeon to say that it will be practically impossible to get the Prime Minister on set, as we do at the moment."

Williams's decision to quit is a huge blow to the BBC, as she has built up a loyal fanbase with presenter Bill Turnbull, who is understood to be staying with the show.

The mother-of-four was said to have been unhappy about the prospect of moving her family from their home. However, she may commute to Manchester for a short while to help smooth the transition this year.

Her agent said yesterday: "This is not about going to Salford, but about a decade of getting up before the dawn chorus."

Staff must decide by the end of the month whether to move, and have organised a "Salford or f*** it" drinks party to mark the deadline.

It is believed Susanna Reid, 39, is being lined up as the main female presenter on Breakfast. The BBC is moving about 1,500 staff from London to Salford as it transfers its children's and sports departments as well as Radio 5 Live and BBC Breakfast.